- @cnnbrk
- Followers: 64,142,140
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu fires his defense minister after Yoav Gallant's call for a pause on the jtwitter.com/i/web/status/1…hF
- @cnnbrk
- Followers: 64,142,140
Philadelphia advised residents to drink bottled water "out of caution" after a chemical spill in the Delaware River. cnn.it/3TIuVkV
- @cnnbrk
- Followers: 64,142,140
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell said Saturday that he has been released from an inpatient physical therapy ftwitter.com/i/web/status/1…Nu
- @cnnbrk
- Followers: 64,142,140
Russia plans to station tactical nuclear weapons in Ukraine's neighbor Belarus, says Putin, further stoking tensiontwitter.com/i/web/status/1…BO
- @cnnbrk
- Followers: 64,142,140
The Los Angeles Unified School District reaches an agreement in negotiations with union following a three-day striktwitter.com/i/web/status/1…pE
- @cnnbrk
- Followers: 64,142,140
RT @CNN: Actress Gwyneth Paltrow is testifying in a Utah court at a trial over a skiing accident that sparked a seven-year legal battle. Fo…
- @cnnbrk
- Followers: 64,142,140
A federal judge has rejected Trump's claim of executive privilege and ordered several former aides, including Marktwitter.com/i/web/status/1…GM
CNN POLITICS ON FACEBOOK » | CNN POLITICS ON TWITTER »
Starship guitarist dead at 46
Mark Abrahamian, lead guitarist for the veteran rock group Starship, has died, according to the band's official website.
[tweet https://twitter.com/StarshipControl/status/242697094249447424%5D
Multiple news sites reported Abrahamian, 46, died of a heart attack backstage after a concert Sunday night in Norfolk, Nebraska.
Starship's planned Monday night concert in Orem, Utah, was canceled, according to the Salt Lake Tribune. People who have tickets for future Starship shows should check with the concert venue.
Abrahamian had been touring with Starship, featuring original member Mickey Thomas, since 2000.
According to the band's website, Abrahamian's life was changed when he heard the Van Halen song "Eruption" when he was in the seventh grade.
"I went home and didn't leave my room until the ninth grade," he says on the site.
Starship's songs include "Sara," "Jane," "Nothing's Gonna Stop Us," "Built This City on Rock and Roll" and "Find Your Way Back."
Hal David's greatest hits
Here is a list of some of the many hits with lyrics written by Hal David, who died Saturday at age 91:
"The Four Winds and the Seven Seas," for Vic Damone
"The Bell Bottom Blues," for Teresa Brewer
"Broken Hearted Melody," for Sarah Vaughan
"Sea of Heartbreak," for Don Gibson
"Johnny Get Angry," for Joanie Sommers
"My Heart's an Open Book," for Carl Dobkins, Jr.
"The Story of My Life," for Marty Robbins
"Magic Moments," for Perry Como
"Blue on Blue," for Bobby Vinton
"Wives and Lovers," for Jack Jones
"What the World Needs Now is Love," for Jackie De Shannon
"This Guy's in Love with You," for Herb Alpert
"(They Long to Be) Close to You," for The Carpenters
"(There's) Always Something There to Remind Me," for Sandie Shaw
"What's New Pussycat," for Tom Jones
"Raindrops Keep Falling on My Head," for the movie "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid" and recorded by B.J. Thomas
"Promises, Promises," from the musical of the same name
"99 Miles from L.A.," performed by Albert Hammond
"To All the Girls I've Loved Before," performed by Albert Hammond
The theme for the movie "Moonraker"
"Only Love Can Break a Heart"
"24 Hours from Tulsa"
"The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance"
"Don't Make Me Over"
"Anyone Who Had a Heart"
"Walk on By"
"Reach Out for Me"
"You'll Never Get to Heaven If You Break My Heart"
"A House is Not a Home"
"I Say a Little Prayer"
"Do You Know the Way to San Jose"
"Alfie"
"I'll Never Fall in Love Again"
"Wishin' and Hopin'"
"The Look of Love"
Comments: Randy Travis, how did 'such a talented guy end up in a mug shot like that'?
Editor's note: We're listening to you. Every day, we spot thought-provoking comments from readers. What follows is a look at some of the most talked-about stories of the day.
We saw a lot of interesting conversations spring up in the news today, and on topics beyond the main headlines of past days.
1. Randy Travis' arrest
2. Record heat
3. Long waits at the doctor
4. Factory jobs go unfulfilled
5. School sports vs. classes
Here's a look at the variety of topics covered.
1. Country singer Randy Travis arrested, accused of DWI
Country music star Randy Travis was arrested late Tuesday after being found naked, smelling apparently of alcohol and lying on a remote stretch of roadway in northern Texas just before midnight, authorities said. His mug shot is circulating, and readers are talking about the lives of country singers.
Some talked about the ills of the bottle.
Penny Pinkerton Gearing: "My heart goes out to him as it seems he is having issues with alcohol. I hope that he receives the help that he needs soon before things get any worse and he injures someone (or himself worse than he already has)."
KENNNY: "Now I like Randy Travis' music but my problem is that they all say: 'I'm committed to being responsible and accountable, and apologize for my actions' and then they go out and do it again and again and again while John Doe, who is a 'Regular Citizen' gets the book thrown at him for the same offense. Sooner or later Mr. Travis is going to do what many drunk drivers do and that is he will be involved in an accident that will result in loss of life, either his life, someone else's life or both and it can be avoided. I hope he will get it together before it is too late."
For some, the situation sounded like the fodder for another sad country song.
Prefection: "Coincidentally, his new country single is titled 'Naked, Smelling Apparently of Alcohol and Lying on a Remote Stretch of Roadway in Northern Texas just before Midnight.' "
Snowcat764: "I get the part that he was driving while intoxicated but I think we're all wondering why he was naked."
The photo showing Travis' condition had many feeling a bit sad. FULL POST
The Jackson strife: Family bickers over whereabouts of Michael's mom
Katherine Jackson, reported missing Saturday by her nephew, told a law enforcement officer in Arizona Sunday that she was "fine," a source close to the investigation said.
But Michael Jackson's three children still have not heard from their grandmother a week after she left the Calabasas, California, home where she lives with them, according to Katherine Jackson's lawyer.
The lack of contact with the Jackson family matriarch led her nephew Trent Jackson to file a missing person's report with the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department late Saturday, Jackson attorney Sandra Ribera said.
It is the latest chapter in a messy dispute between several of Jackson's children and her advisers over her finances and legal affairs.
Jermaine Jackson, in a statement posted on Twitter Sunday night, said the children were not "being 'blocked' from speaking with Mother," who he said "is safe and well in Arizona with her daughter and our sister, Rebbie, resting up on doctor's advice."
"She is merely an 82-year-old woman following doctor's orders to rest-up and de-stress, away from phones and computers," he tweeted.
His statement did not explain why Paris Jackson, the 14-year-old daughter of Michael Jackson, was rebuffed in several attempts to reach her grandmother on the phone. That led Paris to post messages on Twitter early Sunday pleading for help in finding her.
"yes, my grandmother is missing," Paris tweeted. "i haven't spoken with her in a week i want her home now."
FULL STORYMichael Jackson's mom reported missing
A nephew of Katherine Jackson reported the Jackson family matriarch missing late Saturday night after her grandchildren were unable to get in touch with her for a week.
It is the latest chapter in a messy dispute between several of Jackson's children and her advisers over her finances and legal affairs.
Jackson's nephew, Trent, filed the report with the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Office. But one of her sons involved in the dispute said she was fine and resting in Arizona.
"I want to reassure everyone (inc all sudden medical experts) that Mother is fine but is resting up in AZ on the orders of a doctor, not us," Jermaine Jackson tweeted.
"This is our mother and her health is paramount. We are not inventing or plotting anything. We are following doctor's advice. Period," he added.
FULL STORY
Official: Paparazzi pursuit of Justin Bieber 'tragedy waiting to happen'
The paparazzi pursuit of Justin Bieber along Los Angeles freeways is a "tragedy waiting to happen," a Los Angeles city councilman warned.
Dennis Zine, who has sponsored tougher punishment for photographers who break the law while staking celebrities, witnessed an example Friday of why the practice is so dangerous.
"I expected to see a crash," said Zine, a 33-year veteran of the Los Angeles Police Department and still a reserve officer. "The danger is of someone getting killed."
Bieber's Fisker Karma - a $100,000 electric sports car - looked like a silver bullet as it zoomed past Zine at 100 mph on U.S. 101 Friday morning, he said. "He was coming up behind me, making abrupt lane changes, not giving signals, cutting off cars."
Four or five other cars followed close behind, apparently carrying photographers stalking Bieber, he said. "They were close by, at a rapid speed, all of them."
"It's like a miracle that nothing happened," Zine said. "It was mere luck that no one got involved in a collision."
FULL STORYRingo Starr on peace, love and turning 72
Dancing and playing drums on stage for 55 years has been kind to musician Ringo Starr. On Saturday he turned 72, and as Starr has advocated for the past five years, he encourages everyone to pursue "peace and love" on "the seventh of the seventh" this July.
It's a lifestyle he advocates in the first track on his new album, "Ringo 2012," called "Anthem," which Starr identifies as an anthem for peace and love.
One of two living members of the Beatles and winner of nine Grammy Awards, Starr is on the road touring with the All Starr band. The band, formed in 1989, features a rotation of celebrity musicians. The current grouping is the 13th version of the band.
"Everybody has to have a hit to be in the band," he told CNN. "We have a very cool lineup, and it's a diverse lineup. But when you put it all together, it works, and I don’t know that when it starts."
The All Starr Band includes Todd Rundgren, Gregg Rolie from Santana, Steve Lukather from Toto, Richard Page from Mr. Mister with saxophonist Mark Rivera and drummer Gregg Bissonette.
With friends such as these, the show's set lists are rolling out hits like "Rosanna," "Broken Wings," "Hello It's Me," and "Black Magic Woman," in addition to Starr's hits on his own and with The Beatles. The tour also includes promoting his 17th solo studio recording, "Ringo 2012."
Reports: Justin Bieber cited after freeway chase
Pop star Justin Bieber was cited for speeding on a Southern California freeway Friday after a trying to evade paparazzi in a high-speed chase, according to news reports from Los Angeles.
L.A. City Councilman Dennis Zine, a former police officer, told CNN affiliate KABC-TV that he witnessed the incident on the South 101 Freeway in Studio City and reported it to the California Highway Patrol.
He said Bieber was traveling at about 100 mph in his Fisker Karma hybrid.
"It was like a rocket ship coming by, I'm not exaggerating when I say that," KABC quoted Zine as saying. "When it passed me, it had to be going close to 100 mph."
Zine told the Los Angeles Times that the chase between Bieber and the paparazzi spread across the freeway and even on to the shoulder.
"It was like slot cars, they were going so fast," the Times quoted Zine as saying. "It was a very dangerous driving situation. I figured someone was going to crash, so I called 911."
CHP spokesman Saul Gomez told Reuters that Bieber was cited for driving 80 mph in a 65 mph zone.
Internet voters could send rapper Pitbull to remote Alaskan city
Thousands of Internet jokesters are on the cusp of sending Miami recording artist Pitbull to a far-flung land of grizzlies, salmon and crab.
Pitbull, in a promotion by Walmart and Energy Sheets tongue strips, agreed to visit the U.S. Walmart store that receives the most “likes” on its local Facebook page in a 28-day period that ends July 15.
As of Tuesday afternoon, the leader was a Walmart in Kodiak, Alaska, with more than 48,500 likes - roughly eight times its population of about 6,000 people - Walmart spokeswoman Sarah Spencer said Tuesday.
A blogger caught wind of the contest and mischievously suggested last week that the Internet should bind together and send the Miami artist to Kodiak - one of Walmart’s most remote locations – according to FUEL Partnerships, a marketing company involved in the promotion. The call to action spread, including on Twitter with the hashtag #ExilePitbull.
The trip would appear to put one of Pitbull’s nicknames, Mr. Worldwide, to the test. But Pitbull – he of “Back in Time” and “Give Me Everything” – appears to be up for the visit.
Overheard on CNN.com: Streaming debate strikes chord with music fans
Editor's note: This post is part of the Overheard on CNN.com series, a regular feature that examines interesting comments and thought-provoking conversations posted by the community.
Music is an emotional connection for people. For the people who love it, their favorite songs, bands and artists weave a soundtrack for life, changing to suit growing pains and shifting moods. When one of our writers, Jareen Imam, detailed the shifting ways that people access their music, the emotions of music listeners climbed higher.
By interviewing college-age music fans, Imam discovered that an increasing number of that demographic opts to stream music instead of buy it. They stream music by using online services like Pandora, Spotify, 8tracks and The Hype Machine. Purchasing actual albums in stores or dropping $1.29 for a new single on iTunes? Not so popular with them, because it amounts to 'a lot of work.'
Young listeners opting to stream, not own music
CNN.com's readers immediately took to the comments. The debate tugged back and forth between advocates of streaming vs. downloading or buying their favorite tunes. Many wondered whether streaming is the best way to show your favorite musicians that you care. Or is a download or album purchase the best way?
But then, strains of other, and perhaps older, arguments began over the quality of music today, if artists should just focus on making money on concerts rather than albums and even if people should buy only albums or only singles. Others simply referred those against streaming to another form that has been around for a while: the radio.
For the people streaming music, they were also open to other ways of getting their music fix.
25700_Reg: I just got into st[r]eaming with Pandora. I use it on long rides, but I don't like that I can't control what plays next. Well maybe I don't know how as of yet. I let my son use my iPhone to listen while he was visiting and the next time I went to hook up, it kept playing his kind of raunchy rap crap. I hate it!
Serge Cruz Jr.: Great article... To me it's pretty simple, experience LIVE music whenever possible, own what you LOVE & stream everything else...
einZuschauer: I think people are seeking personalization and customization. If streaming suits their needs that is great but there is no guarantee that the music will always be available. Personally, I like having multiple options to find the music that fits my mood, but I always end up purchasing my favorite music.
Metal band Metallica joins hunt for killer
Metallica is doing its part to help the FBI solve the murder of a 20-year-old college student after a 2009 concert by the rock band in Charlottesville, Virginia.
In a one-minute announcement on YouTube, Metallica frontman James Hetfield urges anyone who knows anything about what happened to Virginia Tech student Morgan Harrington to contact authorities.
"Remember, any information, no matter how small you think it is, could be that crucial piece investigators need to help solve the case," Hetfield says in the video, with guitars and amplifiers in the background.
The band offered $10,000 in 2010 for information leading to an arrest in the case; the reward fund since has grown to $150,000, Hetfield says.
"This crime we feel was horrific in nature and what we want to do is bring closure to Morgan's family," Virginia State Police Capt. Timothy Lyon says in a video on the FBI's website. "We want an arrest, and that's what we're committed to doing."
Morgan Harrington
The FBI says Harrington was last seen hitchhiking on a Charlottesville bridge after leaving the concert before it was over on October 17, 2009. Her body was found in a field four months later. She had been wearing a distinctive silver necklace with Swarovski crystals, which has not been recovered.
The FBI says DNA evidence links Harrington's case to a 2005 sexual assault in Fairfax, Virginia. The bureau issued an enhanced composite sketch of an unnamed man they think may be responsible.
The suspect is described as an African-American male with black hair and facial hair at the time of the 2005 attack. He is about 6 feet tall and was believed to be between 25 and 35 years old at the time of the attack, making him 32 to 42 now.
Information can be conveyed by calling Virginia State Police at 434-352-3467; Fairfax police at 703-385-7959; or the FBI at 800-225-5324.
Police: Musician Bob Welch kills self
Bob Welch, a guitarist who played with Fleetwood Mac before launching a solo career, died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound to his chest, Nashville, Tennessee, police said Thursday. He was 66.
Welch's wife found his body in their Nashville home about 12:15 p.m., Nashville Police spokesman Don Aaron said.
"All indications are that it was a suicide," Aaron said. A suicide note was found, he said.
Welch played guitar with Fleetwood Mac starting in 1971. He left the group in late 1974, just before Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks joined the group.
FULL STORY
Overheard on CNN.com: Robin Gibb fans say Bee Gees' legacy far beyond disco
Editor's note: This post is part of the Overheard on CNN.com series, a regular feature that examines interesting comments and thought-provoking conversations posted by the community.
As readers remember Robin Gibb, 62, who died Sunday, they're also looking back at The Bee Gees' legacy. While the Brothers Gibb are sometimes associated with the disco era, many commenters pointed out that they had a career well before "Saturday Night Fever." They performed together as kids and had several hits in the 1960s and early 1970s.
Robin Gibb, member of the Bee Gees, dies after battle with cancer
The Bee Gees were more than "Saturday Night Fever," many readers said.
ganderse: "They call this guy a disco singer, but the Bee Gees were so much more than that. These guys wrote some amazing songs! They were not just rockers, but balladeers as well. Songs like 'The First of May,' and 'Dearest' still make me cry. Thanks, guys for some great music."
Laura Shafer: "I'm pretty sure that people who don't appreciate the brilliance of the Bee Gees are those that have never listened to music outside of their favorite FM radio station. There were Bee Gees before SNF, during SNF and after SNF. And if disco music itself was such a travesty, why are we still listening to it and talking about it 30 years later? Godspeed, Robin. With now only one brother left to us, it is a sad day."
One reader paid tribute to the songwriting.
WmPreece: "First of all it's sad to loose another music talent. Robin was one of the key voices of the Bee Gees. The song 'I Started a Joke' always endured time and really made people think a lot about things. Every time he performed it, the level of excellence was always the same ... The other thing is that while some never heard of the Bee Gees or remember them have probably heard a song or two that was written by them done by other performers and groups. Almost anyone in the music business that scored a hit in the past 20 years probably have had a it written or co-written by one of the Bee Gees. As for the people getting on here making stupid or rude comments, you would think that there would be more respect or maturity rather than acting too poorly. It takes less effort if you just let people who do care make comments and move on.
Getting back to Robin's passing, he will be missed by millions of fans and condolences goes out to the Gibb family on another loss. Andy was to young and unfortunately was beyond saving. Maurice and Robin endured a lot of suffering before they passed on. May his children and beautiful wife know his voice touched a lot of people. The rest of the Gibb family and especially Barry the last of the brothers know prayers and support goes out to them during this time. Thanks to all the Gibb brothers for making such great music over several decades and endured the test of time. Whether it was an early hit or later hit background harmonies on many tunes or writing some of the best tunes the talent you shared is much appreciated ... bless you all ..."
iReporter Allen Mealey of Moreno Valley, California, looked back fondly on the stages of the Bee Gees' career and said the loss of Robin Gibb leaves a hole. FULL POST
Celebs tweet grief over Robin Gibb
Celebrities tweeted their grief Sunday night over the death of Bee Gees singer Robin Gibb at 62. Here is a sampling.
Cycling champion and cancer survivor Lance Armstrong:
RIP Robin Gibb. Continues to sadden me to see cancer take our loved ones. Gotta put a stop to it.
Singer and reality show star Peter Andre:
I am so absolutely gutted about Robin Gibb passing away . One of the true musical legends whom I was honored to be friends with . RIP:(
"Extra" host Mario Lopez:
R.I.P Robin Gibb..Big Bee Gees fan! Wrote so many great songs too..Our Disco stars are off to perform in the big club upstairs! #NightFever
Talk-show host Carson Daly:
Sad to hear about Robin Gibb. Cancer is robbing us of our loved ones way to often. We gotta beat this thing. http://www.Breakawayfromcancer.com FULL POST
Singer Robin Gibb dies
Robin Gibb, one of three brothers who made up the disco group The Bee Gees, died on Sunday, according to a statement on his website.
FULL STORY
Overheard on CNN.com: Dim all the lights; this 'last dance' goes out to Donna Summer
Editor's note: This post is part of the Overheard on CNN.com series, a regular feature that examines interesting comments and thought-provoking conversations posted by the community.
Donna Summer, the "Queen of Disco," has died at 63. Her publicist said Thursday that she had cancer and died surrounded by her family. Readers wrote in to share their condolences. Some of the best responses are posted here, alongside the names of some of Summer's best-known songs, in no particular order.
Disco queen Donna Summer dies at 63
"Hot Stuff"
Arkady: "You can talk about her brilliant voice. You can talk about her sultry, sex-kitten ways. You can talk about her rags to riches success and her being the inadvertant queen of disco. But she was an innovator like very few. When she got her feet wet in Germany in the '70s, she brought back to the U.S. the sound that began with Krafwerk. Donna Summer performed techno over 25 years before Americans even knew what that word was. She also added a 'bad girl' image to her day that left an indelible mark on pop culture. 'Icon' of the '70s would be an insult. She was one of the most important soul voices in history and one of the greatest artists of her time."
"Bad Girls"
Jonnjon: "What a great entertainer. Her 'Bad Girls' tour at Pine Knob was the first concert I ever attended. great fun, great memories. when I'm on a road trip by myself I still pop in that disc and enjoy the music to help keep me awake while driving. thanks for keeping me company for so many years Donna. you'll be missed.
"Love to Love You, Baby" FULL POST
Donna Summer dies at age 63
Seventies disco queen Donna Summer has died at age 63, her publicist said Thursday.
Summer rose to pop music fame starting in 1975 with "Love to Love You Baby." She went on to record other songs that proved popular on the dance scene, including "Bad Girls" and "She Works Hard for the Money."
FULL STORY
Preacher, singer Marvin Winans carjacked in Detroit
Detroit pastor and gospel singer Marvin Winans, who delivered the eulogy at pop star Whitney Houston's funeral this year, was robbed and carjacked at a gas station in his home city Wednesday afternoon, CNN affiliates WXYZ and WDIV report.
Winans, pastor at Perfecting Church on Detroit's east side, had just walked out of the Detroit station's convenience store and was about to pump gas into his SUV when four men exited the store and attacked him, he told WXYZ.
The attackers kicked him and took his wallet and his purple 2012 Infiniti QX56 SUV, he said. Winans suffered cuts and bruises to his face, hands and arms, and his pants were torn, WDIV reported.
'Go-Go' pioneer Chuck Brown dies
Chuck Brown, known as the "Godfather of Go-Go," a genre blending funk, jazz and soul and other musical forms, died Wednesday, his manager said.
Brown, 75, died at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland, manager Tom Goldfogle said. The performer, whose career spanned four decades, died of multi-organ failure from sepsis.
"Go-Go" originated in Washington, D.C., in the 1970s.
Brown, with the Soul Searchers, had a big hit with "Bustin' Loose." The guitarist and singer became a familiar figure on stage with his brim hat and sunglasses.
According to CNN affiliate WJLA, Brown had recently postponed numerous shows due to failing health.
FULL STORY
On Twitter
On Twitter
@cnnbrk on Twitter
Comments: Hunka' hunka' burning love for Elvis endures 35 years after his death
Editor's note: We're listening to you. Every day, we spot thought-provoking comments from readers. What follows is a look at some of the most talked-about stories of the day.
Sometimes readers ask about our stories. Today, a reader commenting on a story about a man accused of faking his own death happened to mention the 35th anniversary of Elvis Presley's death.
Thanks for your comment, Guest. CNN affiliate WMC covered the Graceland event, and that story was put up on the entertainment page. If you really want to travel back in time, CNN iReport received numerous photos and videos about Presley in honor of what would have been Presley's 75th birthday in 2010.
But those aren't the only places you'll find Elvis on CNN.com. People have been talking about Presley all over the place.
Remembering the King: When Nixon met Elvis
The photo at the top recalls the 1970 meeting between Richard Nixon and Presley. The CNN Political Ticker took a look at the historic convergence. Here's what one reader had to say:
Meanwhile, reader Sniffit theorized that "Elvis is hiding in a trailer in Area 51" with various items and people. Hard to say for sure. There are plans in place to put together an Elvis hologram.
Yet another place you might find Elvis - granted, not a Presley - is at border crossings. FULL POST
Filed under: Celebrity • Comments • Music • Politics • Showbiz